Method and apparatus for supporting a target hanger

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for supporting a post used to support a ballistic target. A post is supported in a vertical position by retention in a post stand. The post stand is assembled using a bottom plate, a top plate and two side plates. Once assembled, the post stand receives a post. Two types of posts are contemplated. One post type is made of wood. A second post type is made of steel and projects a low profile toward a shooter. A top hanger is then installed over the post and provides mounting holes so that a target can be suspended therefrom.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUSPENDING A TARGET HANGER”, by Fernandez and which was filed on Dec. 9, 2016 as Application Ser. No. 62/432,556, the text and figures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

There are many apparatus for suspending a ballistic target. Most of these mechanisms are made of a hardened steel, which typically, but not always is an abrasion resistant material. The targets themselves are also typically made of hardened, abrasion resistant steel. These targets resemble a gong, especially when they are attached to corresponding suspending mechanism.

Such gong type targets are quite commonplace. In fact, target systems made by competing manufactures are very similar to each other and there are little to no distinguishing characteristics. This is typical in an industry where innovation fell off early because the products are very simple and “low tech”.

Among the simplest gong target systems includes a pair a leg assemblies where each leg assembly itself includes two legs and each assembly is designed to fit over a horizontal bar. A simplistic horizontal bar is inserted into receptacles included in the leg assembly. One leg assembly is so provided on each side of the bar to form a dual “A-Frame” much akin to a small children's swing set. In the most simple of systems, the leg assembles are structured to fit over a piece of lumber, e.g. a 2-by-4.

In these simplistic gong target systems suspend a target from the horizontal bar using metal chain. There are several problems with such simplicity, one of which has serious safety implications. When a target suspended by chain is struck by a bullet, the kinetic energy is dissipated in a completely uncontrolled manner. At the moment of impact, the target is displaced but its direction of travel in unpredictable. This means that a bullet's path, post impact, cannot be predicted. Ricochet derived injuries are a real threat.

Recognizing the lethality of ricochet events, the industry has made some strides in restraining the movement of the target when it is struck by a bullet. Some target suspension systems are structured so as to partially restrain the target, but still cannot maintain an orthogonal orientation of the target relative to the shooter. So, there is always some axial rotation around a vertical axis. A ricochet can still be directed toward others on the shooting range.

In those systems that attempt to partially restrain a gong target, the target is suspended using solid hanger members. These prior art hanging members move independently and, worse yet, the target itself can still rotate about the vertical axis because the solid hangers are allowed to move independently. Also, these prior art systems typically attach the solid hangers to the horizontal bar using a free-moving attachment mechanism, for example a short span of chain. The same type of attachment is also used at the target.

One additional hazard is that the A-Frame includes legs that are also potential targets. When an incoming projectile strikes a leg of such a target hanger, the resulting ricochet is also unpredictable. What is needed is a target suspension system that reduces the overall potential for ricochet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several alternative embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings and figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram that depicts one example method for supporting a post;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method for coupling the bottom plate to the first side plate;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for coupling a top plate to the first and second side panels in a substantially contemporaneous manner;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that depicts an alternative method for securing a bottom end of a post using the bottom plate;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative method for supporting a target at the top end of a post;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for attaching a target to the top bracket;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for disposing a top bracket on a top end of the post;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that depicts an alternative method for attaching a bracket at the top end of a post;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation of one example embodiment of a post stand;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial illustration that depicts the manner in which a bottom panel is attached to each of the two side panels;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates a final assembled structure of two side plates and a bottom plate;

FIG. 12 is a pictorial view that shows an interlocking mechanism used to hold the bottom plate to the side panel;

FIG. 13 is a pictorial illustration that depicts a butterfly tab and a simple tab, both of which are included in one example embodiment of a bottom plate;

FIG. 14 is a pictorial illustration that depicts one alternative example embodiment of a top plate;

FIG. 15-18 comprise a sequence of pictorial diagrams that illustrate the use of a two-step détente interlock system included in this alternative embodiment of a system and apparatus for supporting a target hangar; and

FIGS. 19 and 20 are pictorial representations of a low-profile post and low-profile hanger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation of one example embodiment of a post stand. As already discussed, one important feature of supporting a ballistic target is that of minimizing the area exposed to the potential of inadvertent bullet strikes. By minimizing the area exposed to a potential inadvertent bullet strikes, the potential for ricochets is also diminished. As can be seen in this figure, a vertical post 270 is held in position by the post stand. Accordingly, the post 270 is held in the post stand 150. On top of the post 270, there is a target hangar 255. A target is then supported from a forward protruding flange 250.

In the interest of clarity, several example alternative methods are described in plain language. Such plain language descriptions of the various steps included in a particular method allow for easier comprehension and a more fluid description of a claimed method and its application. Accordingly, specific method steps are identified by the term “step” followed by a numeric reference to a flow diagram presented in the figures, e.g. (step 100). All such method “steps” are intended to be included in an open-ended enumeration of steps included in a particular claimed method. For example, the phrase “according to this example method, the item is processed using A” is to be given the meaning of “the present method includes step A, which is used to process the item”. All variations of such natural language descriptions of method steps are to be afforded this same open-ended enumeration of a step included in a particular claimed method.

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram that depicts one example method for supporting a post. According to this example method, a post stand is assembled by coupling a bottom plate to a first side panel (step 5). The bottom plate is then coupled to a second side panel (step 10). The distance between the two side panels is maintained based upon the width of the bottom plate (step 15).

In various alternative methods, the bottom plate and the first side plate are maintained at a particular first angle (step 20). Typically, the bottom plate and the first side plate are maintained at a substantially orthogonal orientation to each other. However, other angles may be possible as varying needs dictate. Likewise, the bottom plate and the second side panel are maintained at a second angle (step 25). In this alternative method, both side plates are maintained at a substantially orthogonal orientation with the bottom panel.

Once the bottom panel is coupled to the first and second side plates, a top plate is coupled to both the first and second side plates in a substantially contemporaneous manner (step 30). In this example method, this is done by engaging the top plate with both side plates at substantially the same time. A slot is then provided in the top plate in order to accept the post (step 35).

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method for coupling the bottom plate to the first side plate. According to this alternative example method, the bottom plate is coupled to the first side plate by inserting a butterfly tab into a rotational receptacle included in the first side panel (step 40). Then, the bottom plate is rotated to position such that it retains the butterfly tab in the rotational receptacle (step 45). In yet another alternative method, the position of a bottom plate is maintained in order to prevent rotation back to the retraction position (step 50). But for such prevention, it may be possible, in some embodiments of the present method, that the butterfly tab inadvertently is withdrawn from the rotational receptacle provided in a side panel.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for coupling a top plate to the first and second side panels in a substantially contemporaneous manner. According to this alternative method, a first butterfly tab, which in one alternative embodiment is included in a top plate, is positioned over a horizontal receiver included in the first side panel (step 55). It should be appreciated that, according to various alternative embodiments, the horizontal receivers are disposed toward the rear of the first and second side panels. In this alternative method, a second butterfly tab, which is also included in a top plate, is positioned over a horizontal receiver included in the second side panel (step 60).

In this alternative method, the top panel also includes two vertical tabs that are disposed at either side of the top panel. Accordingly, a first vertical tab included in the top panel is positioned over a vertical receiver included in the first side panel (step 65). The second vertical tab is likewise positioned over a vertical receiver included in the second side panel (step 70). Once in this position, the top panel is lowered into a first détente position (step 75), which is included in the first and second side panels as part of the structure of their vertical receivers. Once the top panel is situated in this first détente position, it may be moved forward so as to engage the butterfly tabs into a restraint section included in the first and second side panels and incorporated into the structure of the horizontal receivers included in said side panels (step 80).

As the top panel is moved forward in order to engage the butterfly tabs into a restraint section included in the horizontal receivers disposed toward the rear of each side panel, the first and second vertical tabs included in the top panel will fall into a second détente position, which is included in the vertical receivers disposed toward the front of the first and second side panels (step 85). At this point, the top panel is coupled firmly with the two side panels. Some additional forward movement may aid in retaining the butterfly tabs in the horizontal receivers included in the first and second side panels.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that depicts an alternative method for securing a bottom end of a post using the bottom plate. In this alternative method, a slot is provided in the bottom plate (step 90) for accepting the post. As such, the post 270 is prevented from toppling over because it is restrained by the top plate and also by the bottom plate. Accordingly, yet another alternative method provides for accepting the post through the slot provided in the bottom plate (step 95).

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that depicts another alternative method for supporting a target at the top end of a post. In this alternative method, a bottom end of the post is accepted through the slot included in the top plate (step 100). An upper bracket is then positioned at a top end of the post (step 105). A target is then attached to the upper bracket (step 110).

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for attaching a target to the top bracket. In this alternative method, at least one orifice is positioned at a top portion of the bracket that is opposite the post (step 115).

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative method for disposing a top bracket on a top end of the post. In this alternative example method, the post is received through a bottom flange, which is included in the top bracket (step 120). The post is then abutted against a top flange, which is also included in the top bracket (step 125). The distance between the top and bottom flanges is also maintained (step 130). Typically this is done by a vertical structure at one end of either the top and bottom flanges. In order to attach a target to the top bracket, one alternative method provides for mounting a target on a forward extension of the bottom flange (step 135). In yet another alternative method, a target is attached to a forward extension of the top flange (step 140).

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that depicts an alternative method for attaching a bracket at the top end of a post. In this example embodiment, the post is received through a slot included in the top bracket (step 145). The top bracket is then restrained at a fixed point proximate to the top and of the post (step 150). A target amount is then provided at a forward extending portion of the top bracket (step 155).

Referring to FIG. 9, it should be appreciated that a target hangar 250 is typically supported above the ground so that a target may be suspended from the target hangar. The system and apparatus of the present embodiment includes a post support 150 that includes a bottom plate 350 and a top plate 300. Once assembled into an apparatus for supporting a target hangar above the surface, the top plate 300 is disposed above the bottom plate 350. Both the top plate 300 and the bottom plate 350 include substantially planar surfaces that are supported above, but very close to the ground. The system and apparatus herein described further includes two side panels 200. In one alternative example embodiment, side panels 200 are symmetrical. In this disclosure, the left side panel is referred to by reference designator 200A and a right side panel is referred to by designator 200B.

It should be appreciated that the top plate 300 and the bottom plate 350 are joined at their opposite ends to one of each of the two side panels. Accordingly, the top plate 300 and the bottom plate 350 straddle the two side panels 200A and 200B. As can be seen in the FIG. 9, the top plate 300 includes an orifice 305, which may be used to receive a vertical riser, or “post” 270. Such a vertical riser 270 may be comprised of the piece of lumber, for example a 2-BY-4. By using a wooden riser, any ricochet may be diminished because the wooden riser is not likely to redirect a bullet back toward a shooter.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial illustration that depicts the manner in which a bottom panel is attached to each of the two side panels. It should be appreciated that, according to this alternative example embodiment, each side panel 200 includes two receptacles 205 and 210 for receiving tabs that are included at the ends of the bottom plate 350. In order to provide for an easy assembly process, the receptacle 210 disposed toward one end of the side panel 200 (e.g. a rear end of the side panel) is oversized in order to allow each side panel 200A and 200B the ability to be spread apart 120 from their fully assembled orthogonal position relative to the bottom plate 350. In order to provide easy assembly, these oversized receptacles 210 are structured to accommodate a butterfly tab, which is included, for example, at the rear portion of the bottom plate 350. This is discussed further, infra.

Two butterfly tabs are included and situated at the rear of the bottom plate 350. According to at least one alternative embodiment, the butterfly tabs are offset vertically from the planar portion of the bottom plate 350. As can be seen in this figure, this is typically done by banking, either upward or downward, the trailing edge of the bottom plate 350. Then, the butterfly tab is disposed somewhere along the end 354 of the banked portion 351 of the bottom plate 350. It should likewise be appreciated that the banked portion 351, according to some alternative embodiments, is set at any convenient angle. In fact, the banked portion 351 can just as easily be orthogonal to the planar portion 352 of the bottom plate 350. Any angle specified here is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram that illustrates a final assembled structure of two side plates and a bottom plate. As discussed earlier, the two side plates 200A and 200B can spread apart so that the tabs on the forward side of the top plate can be easily inserted into receptacles 205 included in the side plates 200. Once the tabs are situated over and ready to be received by the receptacles 205 included in the side plate 200, then the two side plates 200 are pulled together 212 so that they are substantially planar to each other and orthogonal to the ends of the bottom plate 350. It should be appreciated that the side panels, in this fully assembled position, abut the two ends of the bottom plate 350.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial view that shows an interlocking mechanism used to hold the bottom plate to the side panel. As already discussed, proximate to the rear of the bottom plate 350 there is included a butterfly tab 365. The receptacle 210 included in the side panel 200 comprises a substantially circular profile so that a rib portion of the butterfly tab 365 is allowed to rotate axially around the receptacle 210. This is called a rotational receptacle.

In order to receive the wings of the butterfly tab 365, the circular orifice 210 includes channels 212 that emanate radially from the circular profile 210. It should be apparent that the collective length of the orifice 210 and two channels 212 are sized to accommodate the span of the wings included in the butterfly tab 365. In this example embodiment, the tab 360 included in the forward section of the bottom plate 350 is received into a substantially rectangular receptacle 205, which is included in the side panel 200. This ensures that the bottom plate will not rotate to a position where the butterfly tabs can escape from the rotational receptacles included in each side panel 200A, 200B.

FIG. 12 also depicts a two-step détente interlock system for securing the top plate 300 into position. According to this alternative embodiment, the détente interlock system includes a forward receiver 225 and a rear receiver 230. It should be appreciated that the forward receiver 225 is disposed to receive a vertically oriented tab. The rear receiver 230 is disposed to receive a horizontally oriented tab. It is not relevant as to which of the two receivers is horizontal or vertical. The horizontally oriented receiver 230 is set to include a width 240 sized to accept a rib portion of a corresponding tab. The vertically oriented receiver 225 is likewise sized 235 to receive a rib portion of a corresponding tab. The horizontally oriented receiver 230 further includes a capture slot 244 which is used to accept a rib portion of a butterfly tab. This capture slot 244 is disposed toward the rear of the side panel. The vertically oriented receiver 225 also includes a capture slot 247, which is disposed downward away from the top of the side panel.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial illustration that depicts a butterfly tab and a simple tab, both of which are included in one example embodiment of a bottom plate. In this alternative example embodiment, a simple tab 360 is included along both sides of the bottom plate 350. A butterfly tab 365 is included along both sides of the bottom plate 350 also. However, the butterfly tab is typically offset vertically by a bend 299 in the bottom plate 350.

FIG. 14 is a pictorial illustration that depicts one alternative example embodiment of a top plate. In this example embodiment, the top plate 300 includes a rear butterfly tab 381 and a forward vertical tab 382. The rear butterfly tab, in this alternative embodiment is situated horizontally. The forward edge of the top plate 300, according to one alternative example embodiment is bent downward so that the forward tab 382 is situated vertically relative to the planar portion of the top plate 300.

FIG. 15-18 comprise a sequence of pictorial diagrams that illustrate the use of a two-step détente interlock system included in this alternative embodiment of a system and apparatus for supporting a target hangar. In order to appreciate the use of the détente interlock system, it is best to start with the installed a position where the top plate 300 is fully inserted and engaged with the side panel 200. In this position, the rib portion of the rear butterfly tab 381 is partially captured by the capture slot 377 included in the rear, horizontally oriented receiver 230. Likewise, the forward tab vertical 382 is partially capture in the capture slot 247 included in the forward, vertically oriented receiver 225.

In order to disengage the top panel 300 from the détente interlock system, the forward vertical tab 382 is pulled upward and then, once the rib portion of the tab 382 clears the capture slot 247, the top plate 300 is pulled forward.

FIGS. 15 and 17 show that once the top plate 300 is pulled forward, the forward vertical tab 382 will rest on an intermediate resting shelf 248. From this position, the top plate 300 can be pulled forward and upward so that both the forward vertical tab 382 and the rear butterfly tab 381, which are included on the top plate 300, are clear of their respective capture slots, as included in the forward in receiver 225 and the rear receiver 230. The top plate 300 is then pulled upward 410 and clear of the two side plates.

FIG. 9 further depicts a top bracket 255 comprising a top flange 250, a separation web 260, and a bottom flange 256. The top flange 250 and the bottom flange 256 are joined by a separation web 260. Typically the separation web 260 is formed by bending a piece of plate steel at two points so that the separation web 260 is linearly attached to the bottom flange 256 and the top flange 250. The top flange 250 includes a forward protruding extension 257 that includes an orifice 251 for mounting a target hangar.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are pictorial representations of a low-profile post and low-profile hanger. According to this embodiment, a low-profile post 450 comprises a rectangular piece of plate steel that has a front surface 451 and a side surface 456. Low-profile post 450 further includes a retention notch 455 which is sized to accommodate the thickness of a low-profile hanger and is cut though the plate steel at a rear surface, opposite the front surface 451. The low-profile hanger 460 also comprises a piece of plate steel that includes a slot 465. The slot is sized to fit over the low profile post and is sized according to the thickness of the plate steel, which is oriented as the front surface toward a shooter. The side surface 456 is situated orthogonal to incoming projectiles so as not to present this side surface as additional profile which may be struck by an incoming projectile. In order to use the low-profile post and hanger, the slot 465 included in the low-profile hanger is slipped over the low-profile post 450. The low-profile hanger 460 is then moved to downward along the low-profile post 450 so that the low-profile hanger 460 is pushed into the retention slot 455, as shown in FIG. 20.

While the present method and apparatus has been described in terms of several alternative and exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that alternatives, modifications, permutations, and equivalents thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. It is therefore intended that the true spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto include all such alternatives, modifications, permutations, and equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for supporting a target comprising: coupling a bottom plate to a first side panel; coupling the bottom plate to a second side panel; maintaining the distance between the first and second side panels according to a width of the bottom plate; maintaining the bottom plate substantially at a first pre-established angle with the first side panel; maintaining the bottom plate substantially at a second pre-established angle with the second side panel; coupling, in a substantially contemporaneous manner, a top plate to the first and second side panels; and providing a slot in the top plate for accepting a post.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein coupling the bottom plate to the first side plate comprises: inserting a butterfly tab included in the bottom plate into a rotational butterfly receptacle included in the first side plate; and rotating the bottom plate to a position where the butterfly tab in the bottom plate is retained in the rotational butterfly receptacle included in the first side panel.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising maintaining the position of the of the bottom plate so that it does not rotate back to a position where the butterfly tab can be retracted from the rotational butterfly receptacle included in the first side panel.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein coupling, in a substantially contemporaneous manner, a top plate to the first and second side panels comprises: situating a first butterfly tab disposed at rear portion of a right side of the top panel over a horizontal receiver included in the first side panel; situating a second butterfly tab disposed at rear portion of a left side of the top panel over a horizontal receiver included in the second side panel; situating a first vertical tab disposed at from portion of a right side of the top panel over a vertical receiver included in the first side panel; situating a second vertical tab disposed at from portion of a left side of the top panel over a vertical receiver included in the second side panel; lowering the top panel into a first détente position; moving the top panel forward so that the butterfly tabs included in the top panel enter a restraint section included in the horizontal receivers included in the first and second side panels; and dropping the first and second vertical tabs into a second détente position in the vertical receivers included in the first and second side panels.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprises providing a slot in the bottom plate for accepting a post.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprises accepting a post through the bottom plate.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising: accepting a bottom end of a post through the top plate: positioning an upper bracket at a top end of the post; and attaching a target onto the upper bracket.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein attaching a target onto the upper bracket comprises providing an orifice at a portion of the upper bracket that is opposite the post.
 11. A method for attaching a top bracket to a post: receiving a post through a bottom flange included in a top bracket; abutting the post against a top flange included in the top bracket; maintain the bottom flange and the top flange at a pre-established distance; and providing a target mount on at least one of a forward extending portion of the bottom panel and a forward extending portion of the bottom panel.
 12. A method for attaching a top bracket to a post: receiving a post through slot included in the top bracket; restraining the top bracket at a fixed point on the post; and providing a target mount on a forward extending portion of the top bracket.
 13. A post support comprising: first and second side plate each comprising: rotational receptacle for a butterfly tab; horizontal detent receiver disposed along a top edge toward a rear portion of the side panel; vertical detent receiver disposed along a top edge toward a front portion of the first side panel; bottom plate having a right side and a left side and comprising a first butterfly tab disposed along the right side and a second butterfly tab disposed along the left side; top plate having a right side and a left side and comprising: first butterfly tab disposed along a rear portion of the right; second butterfly tab disposed along rear portion of the left side; first vertical tab disposed along front portion of the right side; second vertical tab disposed along a front portion of the left side.
 14. The post support of claim 11 wherein the first a second side panels further include horizontal tab receptacles disposed toward a lower front portion of each side panel and where the bottom plate further includes a first horizontal tab disposed along a front portion of the right side and a second horizontal tab disposed along a front portion of the left side.
 15. A target bracket comprising: top flange that includes a front facing extension that includes a mounting orifice; separation web being linearly attached to the top flange opposite the front facing extension; and bottom flange being linearly attached to the separation web and including a slot sized to accommodate a post.
 16. A target bracket comprising: top flange; bottom flange that includes a front facing extension that includes a mounting orifice; and a slot sized to accommodate a post; and separation web being linearly attached to the top flange and the bottom flange opposite the front facing extension included in the bottom flange.
 17. A low-profile post comprising: side profile; front profile; and retention notch disposed on a rear profile and sized to accommodate a thickness of target hanger.
 18. A low-profile target hanger comprising: Substantially rectangular plate having a top surface and a bottom surface; slot cut through the plate being sized according to a side profile and a front profile of a low-profile post; and a mounting orifice being cut through the plate and disposed at a position forward of the slot. 